I can definitely say that I had an abnormal amount of highs and lows this week. I would say in general, it felt very progressive and eye-opening in some ways.
First and foremost, it was an incredibly busy week not just with Fountain Forward, but I have been involved as an advisor in a few other companies for a while now, and this past week I had to dive into one of those companies to help get things back on track.
This particular company has a tremendous amount of opportunity, but we’re in a pretty ugly spot due to poor leadership. With that said, there’s still a ton of upside, and I want to be a part of the solution.
I definitely had a short fuse this past week with regard to the aforementioned company.
I learned more about (myself and…) how much tolerance I have for people and leadership positions that can’t control themselves.
It’s essentially a non-starter for me. At all times, we should be in the meeting to find the best outcome for the company, and if you’re allowing your ego to get involved, I’m turned off pretty quickly.
I’m excited to help set really solid expectations for said company as this next week unfolds. This will allow both individuals to work together to accomplish our objectives. That will also require both parties ditching their egos, and that is where my skepticism currently lies.
As of writing this, my concern is growing… Ugh.
This past week had a few special moments, which really gave me some positivity going into this upcoming week.
On Wednesday I had lunch with Fountain Forward‘s first client from Mid-West Electric Company. Their CEO Matt, has been a dear friend of mine and has supported me since I first got to Texas in 2010.
Spending time with him on Wednesday allowed me to really “sit” in my appreciation for our journey up to this point. In so many ways, Fountain Forward would not be here without his support, and every time I see him, I make sure he knows that.
I also had a very special meeting with a representative from an automotive manufacturer that flat out saw Fountain Forward for what I want to be known for.
“He gets it.” is what I normally say.
After the conversation, I felt motivated, refreshed, and focused.
We are in a discovery phase with them, and regardless of a possible long-term partnership, there will be significant benefits for both parties; I’m certain.
It probably goes without saying, but I’m very excited about this lol.
During the same week, we also had one of our clients and their owner reach out to another factory and ask that factory to consider working with Fountain Forward.
Again, this was very moving and motivating. The conversations I’ve had with our internal team about things necessary to make sure we could maximize these opportunities were very enjoyable.
This weekend I was able to play a couple of rounds of golf, which in general were very fruitful, and on Saturday night I had a very special event that exceeded expectations.
10 years ago I had a representative at a company called Quantcast who I took a liking to, and vice versa.
10 years later, he is an internationally known comedian, and I was able to see him in person for the first time on Saturday night.
Many laughs were had, and I must say he should be so proud of his accomplishments and progress. When the show was done, there was a big line of people waiting to meet him and buy merchandise. I didn’t wanna make too big a deal of anything, and I’ve only spoken to him just a little bit over the last 10 years, but I figured I’d at least tap him on the shoulder on the way out to tell him great job.
That tap on the shoulder initiated a wonderful embrace, some big smiles, and some positive words of encouragement from both of us.
Cheers to you, Joey. You are doing incredible things, and I’m rooting for you!
Going into this week, I am definitely in one of the most unique positions I’ve ever been in.
On one hand, I’m making big progress with two manufacturers and having fruitful conversations.
On the other hand we are under the gun and have essentially six days before we could lose a significant amount of our clients should we not get certain approval.
I’m feeling this call to arms and this uneasy feeling all at once.
The nice thing is, and maybe this is foolish, I don’t really feel “scared” per say. At least not at the moment.
I can feel my pits sweating a bit from a “fight or flight” response, but it’s not taking over me.
It would have in the past. I’d be spinning like a top.
So, it’s hustle time. Our clients are campaigning for us, and we’re making progress getting in touch with key contacts.
Will we get in? Will the terms be favorable? Will we even want to be in?
Only God knows, and I’m going to do my best to be present and allow him to do his thing.
Let’s get to work.
– SJ
PS: As for the construction project update, whatever lol. It’s going…